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International SOS Assistance, Inc., Trevose, Pa., has been selected by TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) as the contractor for the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) in locations outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

The total potential contract value, including the transition/base period with five one-year option periods is estimated at $269,052,427 plus the actual cost of health care.

The TOP contract will lead to more comprehensive, patient centered and customer-focused service for nearly half a million beneficiaries overseas.

“In addition to preserving the host nation relationships that have supported and served us so well, the new overseas contract establishes host nation provider networks with military treatment facilities at their center.” said Ellen Embrey, who is the acting director of TMA and also performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs).

“TRICARE is keeping the best of the present system by continuing to offer top quality health care coverage in MTF and remote locations to active duty service members and their command-sponsored family members, as well as other TRICARE Prime-eligible beneficiaries living overseas,” Embrey said.

“A government transition management team is in place and functioning already,” said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity. “The team will oversee all contractor start-up tasks and ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to working in partnership with military leaders and International SOS Assistance to provide this more comprehensive level of service to our nearly half million beneficiaries overseas.”

A ten-month transition period will ensure outstanding customer service remains in place. Health care delivery under TOP is scheduled to begin Aug. 31, 2010.

Some TRICARE Service Center and call center numbers will likely change, but new numbers will be made available during the transition. The TRICARE Overseas Program contractor will maintain call centers available 24/7 with extensive translation capability.